Today was the final day of the 2017 Arizona Sun Circuit, and the last day of my Picture of the Day. Awards handed out and winning photos taken. Stall drapes have been taken down and packed away for the next show and bands and braids taken out. Show clothes are back in their garment bags.
It was a fantastic show this year; the weather cooperated, show office was on top of everything, and daily show life ran smoothly. Thank you to the show management, the judges and stewards and the ring crews for all of their hard work and long hours. Thank you to all of the exhibitors and trainers for getting along and helping it all flow smoothly.
My last “Picture of the Day” is of Taylor Searles as she heads off to one of her classes on her horse, Al Be Sweet On You. I tried hard to keep my nepotism in check during this assignment, but I broke my rule on my final picture as Taylor and Sunny were crowned All-Around Youth, winning the circuit awards for Performance Halter Geldings, 14-18 Western Riding, Hunt Seat Equitation, and reserve in the Horsemanship.
Way to go, Taylor and Sunny, parents Jim and Deanna Searles and everyone at Circle S Ranch. I would like to thank GoHorseShow for asking me to do this project. It’s been a lot of fun. Congratulations to all of the winners, safe travels home and see you all down the road.
Picture of the Day #7
Today is Day 7 of Arizona Sun Circuit, and things are beginning to wind down. Many circuit high points have already been awarded, but the entry numbers have stayed steady even though it reached 88 degrees today.
My picture of the day is of most of the people who have occupied Barn L all of this week. They have won their share of classes, points, and circuit awards; Dean and Hayley Saul from Des Arc, Arkansas, Sara Linnes from East Sound, Washington, Alicia Compton from Purcell, Oklahoma, Heather Van Hooser from Tulsa, Oklahoma and Connor Griggs from Aubrey, Texas.
This whole group has done both shows out West (Silver Dollar and Sun Circuit) and have enjoyed the sun. Someone said, “Nothing better than showing outside in the sunshine and looking at the mountains. But, it’s about time to head East….”
Tomorrow is the last day of the show. Many more high points, circuit champions and all-arounds will be awarded, and people will be packing up and heading home. For those of you leaving today or early tomorrow morning, safe travels. For the rest of us still showing tomorrow, GOOD LUCK, everyone.
Picture of the Day #6
Today was day six of the AZ Sun Circuit. Classes continued on; Youth Halter, Showmanship, English and Western Riding were in the Smartpak Arena while the massive Sr. Trail class went on at the same time as the Select Trail and the Amateur Trail in the Farnam Arena. The Open Western Riding, English, Driving, Ranch Riding, Reining and Working Cow Horse were all scattered around West World in their various pens.
It was a very long day for a lot of people and horses and, with the temperature reaching 86 degrees, it got a little toasty as well. One bright light of the show appeared in the form of Paula Diuri, the owner of the custom clothing company, Paula’s Place located in Merced, Ca. She was in town for Sun Circuit working and designing new outfits for her clients. It was wonderful to see her out and about. She is normally a bit shy in front of the camera, but with her blessing, I have chosen this picture of her and her assistant, Tina, as my Picture of the Day. We love you, Paula!
Picture of the Day #5
Today started the youth portion of Az Sun Circuit with all of the western pleasure, horsemanship, and trail on the schedule. My picture of the day is of Tatum Richey and her trainer, Bruce Vickery, both from Texas. Tatum and her horse, Nappin On The Range, were warming up for the Level Two 14-18 Trail with Bruce offering his advice and expertise before they entered the arena. They did a great job, getting a first, and two seconds out of 14 competitors. Nice work, Tatum and Team Vickery. The youth events continue tomorrow and finish up on Saturday.
Picture of the Day #4
Today was NSBA Day at the AZ Sun Circuit; eight futurities, four being the western pleasure classes and the other four being hunter under saddle classes with non-pro and limited divisions.
My “Picture of the Day” was taken during the 3 & 4-Year-Old Novice Horse Open Pleasure. Troy Compton is aboard PF Pass the Goodbar who is owned by Chester and Ann Prince from Florida. Troy is a prominent quarter horse trainer based out of Purcell, Oklahoma. He seems to be sporting a beard these days looking more like the Marlboro Man than his clean-cut look of his younger years. Looking good, Troy!
The Princes have been in the horse business for over 35 years and have raised many of their show horses including this one. It’s nice to see this couple’s horses in the show arena. Over the years, they have concentrated primarily on halter horses but had a few performance horses on the side. A few years ago, they sold the majority of their horses and decided to enjoy the horses more as a hobby.
Picture of the Day #3
Today was day three of the Arizona Sun Circuit. My picture of the day is of California Select Amateur exhibitor, Jean Swiss and her longtime trainer, Kelley Roberts. Kelley was heading into the western riding arena, and Jean was there at the back gate to cheer them on. Jean also shows in the Select Amateur Trail. I chose Jean because we have been friends for many years and also because today was her birthday. Happy birthday, Jean!
Picture of the Day #2
Today was day two at Sun Circuit, not only for the show but also for my Picture of the Day. I chose to focus on the vendors that are set up at WestWorld this week. There are a lot of booths here representing all aspects of showing 
and equine related interests; feed, tack, insurance, and real estate to name a few. There are also many shops on the grounds selling items for the equestrian; boots, hats, jeans, chaps, English apparel, designer hair bows, and show clothes both new and consigned.
My Picture of the Day comes from Showtime, one of my favorite clothing establishments specializing in all aspects of western show clothes. The owners, Penny Young and Kay Mortensen have come to the Arizona Sun Circuit every year since 1993. They have been lifelong friends having met at the Denver Stock Show when both were showing in youth.
In fact, it was their road trip back home to Montana from Sun Circuit in 2003, mostly in blizzard conditions, that convinced them to permanently move to their headquarters to Oklahoma where they both currently live and work.
Along with consigned clothing, they also design original shirts, jackets and vests for all classes, sizes and price ranges and their trailer is located by the Wendel arena at WestWorld this week. Be sure to stop by and see them.
Intro Report
Hello from SUNNY Arizona! My name is Cathy Corrigan Frank from Phoenix, and I am excited to be bringing you a “Picture of the Day” during Sun Circuit. This show is near and dear to my heart because not only is it in my home state but also because I showed here for the first time back in my youth days. I was also the Amateur All Around back in 1979 with a mare I owned named Scoop’s Dream Girl. I have missed a few years here and there, but it is still one of my favorites.
This year, I am showing two horses; Hanks A Skip N Zippo in the Select Trail and TAMU Zippin Asset in Trail and L2 Select Western Riding. Both boys are in training with Jim and Deanna Searles. I also have a Junior Western Rider here with Leonard Berryhill by the name of Good Will Huntin. The show started today, and it already looks like it’s going to be huge. The facilities are looking great and the weather promises to behave for the entire time. Keep checking back here as I will be posting a picture every day from life at the 2017 Arizona Sun Circuit.
